May 19, 2009. Posted by Brandy Wood.

WBGO received a My Source Community Impact Award for Engagement from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). WBGO's educational outreach to youth is manifold. The WBGO Kids Jazz Series accompanied with Jazzamatazz, a children’s newsletter, has been most successful. Also, the best college bands in New York and New Jersey visit WBGO's studio to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month every April. The SUNY Purchase Jazz Endeavor performed on the award-winning series Next Generation JAM. Listen to the live broadcast by clicking below.

May 19, 2009. Posted by Simon Rentner.

This year's 14th annual Essentially Ellington Band Competition and Festival did not dissappoint. As usual, it brought America's brightest talent to the jazz's biggest stage, and the usual top high schools -- Garfield and Roosevelt from Seattle -- placed first and second, respectively. The biggest surprise came from Wisconsin's Eau Claire Memorial High School, who placed 3rd, the highest in the school's history. Here is my report. - Simon Rentner